Bradenton Police Chief Tapped For U.S. Marshal Role

Bradenton FL

02 December, 2020

1:37 PM

Description

BRADENTON, FL — Pres. Donald Trump will nominate Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan to serve as the United States Marshal for the Middle District of Florida. She was among several appointments and nominations to various roles that he announced Nov. 24. Bill Berger currently serves as U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida. Bevan hasn't commented publicly on the potential nomination because the chance of Trump "getting a senate confirmation through before (President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration) Jan. 20 is slim to none," said Capt. Brian Thiers, a spokesperson for the department. "She doesn't want it to seem like she's taking the job, because she doesn't think the nomination will take place before the inauguration," he said. Bevan, who has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience, has served as chief of the Bradenton Police Department since 2016. Prior to this, she served the St. Petersburg Police Department for 29 years, retiring at the rank of assistant chief. Since arriving in Bradenton, she has introduced a host of safety measures, community engagement protocols and leadership training, according to the department's website. She earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from St. Leo University in 1997, her master's degree in public administration from Troy State University in 2001 and her doctor of education in organizational leadership from Argosy University in 2011. Bevan is an adjunct professor in the Homeland Security Program for the State College of Florida. She also serves as a consultant in the field of officer safety and wellness for the VALOR program, and police executive development. Sen. Marco Rubio released a statement Tuesday applauding Bevan's nomination. "I am pleased the president has nominated Chief Bevan to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Florida," Rubio said. "I believe that Chief Bevan is highly qualified for this position, and I am confident that her 33 years of experience and leadership in Florida's law enforcement community will serve the people of the Middle District of Florida well. I look forward to supporting her confirmation."